The Critter Nerds Lab

Meet the experts that make up the Critter Nerds Squad.

The Critter Nerd Promise

As a local business, we believe in clear communication, educating our clients, and taking a whole-home approach that goes beyond removal and includes lasting repairs that get your home back to it's pre-damage condition.

It’s all part of the Critter Nerd Promise: use smarter methods, better technology, and responsible solutions to do right by our neighbors and their homes.

Certified for Excellence

This is what happens when wildlife control meets a lab coat mindset. We’re certified. We’re trained. And yes, we’re proudly nerdy about it.

Critter Nerds invests heavily in education, certifications, and advanced technology so every solution is informed, effective, and humane. Our exteriors crew carries the licensing and bonding that homeowners and insurance carriers expect. Our wildlife team complies with D&R licensing, follows humane removal best practices, and stays current on the environmental standards that govern this work — because doing things "the old way" isn't always the smart way.

As your local critter geeks, we understand the unique wildlife challenges in our own neighborhoods.

Our Philosophy

At Critter Nerds, we believe the smartest solutions are also the most humane. We take a science-first approach to critter removal, studying behavior, habitats, and prevention methods to resolve problems without unnecessary harm. The same diagnostic mindset shapes our home exteriors work; fixing what's broken and figuring out why, so the problem doesn't return.

As local neighborhood nerds, we care deeply about the ecosystems we live in, which is why we prioritize environmentally responsible techniques that protect your home while respecting wildlife.

Our Services

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Meet the Nerd Herd

The Science Nerd

Travis Nerding

Travis is a science nerd through and through—and proudly so. Carrying on the legacy of his father, the original “Critter Nerd” and former DNR Officer, Travis grew up with a deep respect for wildlife and a curiosity about how animals interact with the homes we build around them. A Ball State University graduate, Travis originally pursued a career in education, driven by his love of teaching, learning, and problem-solving. When the pandemic rerouted his path into exterior repair and property services, he found the perfect intersection of science, structure, and real-world problem solving. At Critter Nerds, Travis applies an educator’s mindset and a technician’s precision to wildlife control. He believes the best solutions start with understanding animal behavior, identifying how and why entry occurs, and designing repairs that prevent repeat issues. His nerdy attention to detail helps elevate Critter Nerds beyond “remove and repeat” toward smarter, longer-lasting solutions.

The People-First Nerd

Ian Thomas

Ian is a people-first nerd—with over two decades of retail leadership shaping his passion for team building, customer experience, and doing things the “different” way. Looking for growth beyond the retail world, he transitioned into wildlife control, managing a branch of a national company and gaining hands-on field experience along the way. It didn’t take long for Ian to notice opportunities to challenge the corporate, one-size-fits-all approach. Teaming up with Travis, he left the corporate structure behind to help build something better—where Critter Nerds began to take shape. With years of experience in wildlife control, Ian is driven by exceptional service, environmentally responsible practices, and solutions that protect both homes and animals. He’s constantly pushing the company to think long-term—focusing on prevention, humane methods, and sustainable repairs—because the best fix is the one you don’t have to redo.

The Organizational Nerd

John "Jorn" Yegerlehner

Affectionately known as “Jorn,” John has been a local business owner for years and knows firsthand how frustrating it can be when you need help—and no one shows up, calls back, or fixes the problem. After multiple failed attempts to find a responsive and effective nuisance wildlife control company for his own home, he realized there had to be a better way. While venting those frustrations to Ian over wings at a local Buffalo Wild Wings, the seed was planted for what would eventually become the Nerd Herd—and ultimately, Critter Nerds. John brings extensive residential experience, an unwavering curiosity, and a passion for doing things well. As the organizational nerd of the group, he’s often your first point of contact and the reason the team is exactly where they’re supposed to be, when they’re supposed to be there. His systems-driven mindset keeps Critter Nerds running smoothly behind the scenes, ensuring every job is scheduled, tracked, and followed through—because great service starts long before the truck pulls up.

The Energy Nerd

Trey Carlyle

Trey is pure energy in the best way possible. Known around the team as the “Energy Nerd,” he has an uncanny ability to read people, situations, and environments, bringing the right vibe wherever it’s needed most. His primary motivation is helping people and making a positive impact, whether that means calming a stressed homeowner, adapting on the fly in the field, or keeping the team moving forward with focus and momentum. Trey understands that wildlife control isn’t just about animals and repairs — it’s about people, trust, and communication. At Critter Nerds, Trey’s energy helps turn stressful situations into positive experiences. His people-first mindset, situational awareness, and genuine care for others make him a key part of delivering the high-level service and human connection that set Critter Nerds apart.

Residential Services

Experience the Critter Nerd difference and explore our unique approach to critter removal services from start to finish.

How We Can Help

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Maintenance Program

Ensure your home is protected year-round with our Maintenance Program, designed to give you peace of mind no matter the season.

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The Critter Nerds Lab

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FREE Inspection